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South Island road trips itinerary · by Michael Nees

18-day South Island road trip itinerary

This 18 days New Zealand South Island Itinerary is perfect. More time to explore the Southern parts of NZ and staying longer at each location.

Highlights

  • Explore Christchurch
  • Explore Lake Tekapo
  • Explore Otago Peninsula
  • Explore Te Anau
  • Explore Wanaka
  • Explore Franz Josef

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Christchurch

    After arrival at Christchurch Airport go to the rental car counter to collect your reserved rental car. The central city is only a short drive away (15 minutes).

  2. Day 2

    Christchurch

    Time to explore Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula today.

    Stay: The George (opens in a new tab)

  3. Day 3

    Lake Tekapo

    Drive via the Inland route (via the scenic Rakaia Gorge) through South Canterbury to Geraldine, then into the Mackenzie country to Lake Tekapo and Twizel Village (285 km, 177 miles, 4 hours). Lake Tekapo gets its milky turquoise colour from fine rock-flour formed by suspended glaciers.

  4. Day 4

    Lake Tekapo

    Explore the Mt. Cook National Park today. The alpine village of Mount Cook, is located in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.This area offers 4WD safaris, boating on the glacier lakes, horse treks, fishing, scenic flights with snow landings and numerous walks and hikes. The Glacier Explorers company operates up to 7 trips per day from early September to late May. From the Hermitage Hotel, be driven by coach to the Tasman Valley.

  5. Day 5

    Otago Peninsula

    After exploring the high country of the South Island, travel down the Waitaki Valley region and visit Oamaru, to see it's historic whitestone architecture. Stop for lunch at the nearby iconic 'Fleur's' restaurant in the fishing village of Moeraki (not to be confused with the 'Moeraki Boulders').

    Stay: Camp Estate (opens in a new tab)

  6. Day 6

    Otago Peninsula

    Its time to explore the wild and stunning beauty of the Otago Peninsula. Nestled at the foot of Tairoa Head is the Royal Albatross Centre, the only place in the world on a mainland where you can view Northern Royal Albatross in their natural habitat. (The Albatross colony is closed between 15 Sept and 25 Nov.) At Dunedin's doorstep, you'll find an incredible variety of wildlife, including the rare yellow- eyed penguin. See fur seals, sea lions and the cute little blue penguins.

  7. Day 7

    Te Anau

    We recommend to travel the 'Southern Scenic Route' via Invercargill to Te Anau with stops in Riverton and Tuatapere. The drive traverses the eastern boundary of Fiordland National Park and the rugged south coast, connecting to the southern parts of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. There are opportunities for tramping, mountain biking, trout fishing, hunting, boating and caving.

  8. Day 8

    Te Anau

    Milford Sound is a mixture of spectacular and breathtaking natural features (125 km, 78 miles, 2.5 hours one-way). The fiords rise vertically and when it rains, waterfalls transform into giant water canons of power. To avoid the 5-hour drive from Te Anau to Milford, join a local tour into Milford Sound for a nature cruise in the fjord. This guided tour begins from Te Anau then along the Milford Road. With a maximum of 11 passengers, this is a quality Fiordland experience.

  9. Day 9

    Wanaka

    The drive to Queenstown only takes 2.5 hours and to Wanaka, 3.5 hours. Wanaka is located on Lake Wanaka and has a relaxed village atmosphere, plus it's only a 1-hour drive from the busy Queenstown. If you want a relaxed and local 'vibe, stay in Wanaka. If you crave the nightlife and world-class facilities, then stay in Queenstown.

  10. Day 10

    Wanaka

    Wanaka is a 4-season holiday destination, with skiing, fishing, hiking, wine tasting, canyoning, scenic flights, skydiving and 750 kms of cycle trails.

    Stay: Wānaka Haven (opens in a new tab)

  11. Day 11

    Franz Josef

    Travel to the beautiful rugged West Coast. From Haast to Jackson Bay there are empty shingle beaches, lakes and wetlands, all with the backdrop of the Southern Alps. For an authentic insight to this area, join the Waiatoto River Jet Boating Safari to explore the local rivers. Join a wildlife tour to see fur seals, Hector's Dolphins and Fiordland Crested Penguins. A helicopter flight over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier is a definite highlight, especially if you land on the snow!

  12. Day 12

    Murchison

    The West Coast region is sparsely populated parts of the country and there very few towns on the 600 kms of coastal road between Karamea and Jackson Bay (Fox to Greymouth/Punakaiki area: 200-250 km, 124-155 miles, 3-4 hours). A visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa is a must-do! The town of Hokitika, is famous for New Zealand Pounamu (Jade) and the gold rush from 1860-80. Stop here for a break and immerse yourself in it's history.

    Stay: Maruia River Retreat (opens in a new tab)

    • HighlightThe Helico
  13. Day 13

    Murchison

    Experience a wellness and healing stay at Maruia River Retreat. Intrinsic to this vision was the communion with nature that our modern lives have stripped us. Guests at the retreat have come to appreciate the primal power of our private forest estate and purity of our waters, and most leave understanding that much like us, nature needs protection and healing.

    Stay: Maruia River Retreat (opens in a new tab)

    • Good to knowPaparoa National Park
    • Good to knowKahurangi National Park
    • RecommendedPunakaiki Panc
  14. Day 14

    Bronte

    Travel further north with stop along the route in St Arnaud in the Nelson Lakes National Park.

    Stay: Te Koi the Lodge at Bronte

    • Good to knowNelson Lakes National Park
  15. Day 15

    Bronte

    Spend a couple of days to explore the Nelson-Tasman region. Apart from the famous Abel Tasman National Park, check-out foodie places and local wineries and breweries. Or cycle part of the Tasman Cycle Trail.

    Stay: Te Koi the Lodge at Bronte

  16. Day 16

    Kaikoura

    Travel via Blenheim to Kaikoura. Time to stop at a Marlborough vineyard for a wonderful lunch and some wine tastings.

    Stay: Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses (opens in a new tab)

  17. Day 17

    Kaikoura

    The Whale Watch Kaikoura trip is a 'must do' for any visitor in the area. Best done in the early morning, due to sea conditions. In the afternoon you also have time to explore the area in more depth or join another local tour.

    Stay: Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses (opens in a new tab)

  18. Day 18

    Kaikoura

    Travel back to Christchurch and depart from here. The drive takes about 2.5 hours. region before leaving. Feel free to extend your stay in Christchurch or any other location.

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